Strength amidst uncertainty in 2017: the technology sector view

Our survey, completed by 691 business leaders from across the UK, finds continued uncertainty amongst owner managed businesses (OMBs). This view is shared in the tech sector where businesses have less confidence this year, reflecting political and economic uncertainties in the UK and internationally. 67% of technology OMBs are somewhat or very confident about the general outlook for 2017 – down from 93% in last year’s survey.

Even so, they remain relatively upbeat and are still more optimistic about the general outlook for 2017 than OMBs generally: 79% of tech businesses are expecting improved performance in 2017. Investment in new products and services is the top strategy, therefore the recognition to innovate is still strong. However, there are concerns about the strength of the UK economy, which is the top-ranked economic concern among tech OMBs.